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| ANNOUNCING National AMSA Strategic Priorities |
Dear AMSA Members,
Ever 4 years the National Leadership is charged to come together and
re-address the focus of our work in the coming 4 years. This has been a
time of great change and transition for AMSA as well as one of
opportunity. We are undergoing a nation-wide search for a new executive
director, as well as facing continued financial strain from dwindling
federal funding, increased costs of our staff, continued independence
from pharmaceutical and military advertising and the effects rising
printing, transportation, hotel and meeting costs. Despite all of this,
AMSA is now offering more student opportunities than ever with record
numbers of leadership institutes, chapter projects, regional events and
partnerships.
With all of this in mind, the week before Thanksgiving over 40 national
leaders met in our offices outside Washington D.C. for a day-long
strategy retreat. We identified the following four issues as HIGH
PRIORITIY for AMSA:
Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care for All
We will continue our advocacy and education around the crisis of those
who are un- and under-insured. AMSA members have long stood for equal
access and quality for all people regardless of their ability to pay. 47
million of our patients are counting on us and current policy solutions
are a long way from solving this problem.
Global Health Equity
This encompasses the issues of wellness, safety, opportunity, and
environment which make up a healthy society. It also highlights the
interconnected nature of all people and our responsibility for rational
and proportional assistance for all people, regardless of which country
they live in. Justice and equity are paramount to assuring that race,
religion, income, gender, sexual preference or nationality are not
factors limiting access to quality care.
Enriching Medicine Through Diversity
As the world becomes more integrated and mobile, the need for a health
care workforce to reflect our society increases. AMSA's independence was
fueled by the civil rights era and continues today in advocacy for
culturally appropriate care, underrepresented providers in medicine, and
admission criteria which do not exclude those from different
backgrounds.
Professional Integrity, Development and Student Well-being
Physicians have long had a sacred social mission and our patients expect
us to uphold our value and professionalism. The undue influence of
dual-loyalties to industry or investments undermines our care. AMSA is
also committed to helping all students through the long process of
medical school admissions, undergraduate medical education and career
choices in residency and beyond. This process is often brutal and
inhumane and we proudly support the work of our HuMed Committee in
focusing on student well being and self care.
Michael J. Ehlert M.D.
AMSA President
1902 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
phone: (703) 620-6600 ext 202
fax: (703) 620-5873
cell: (216) 225-8104
pres@amsa.org
www.amsa.org
National AMSA |
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